Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD

Lack of focus, extreme activity and inability to control behaviour are all characteristized under symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, does having such symptoms indicate a mental disorder in a child or simply a lack of something that is preventing them from being healthy as a whole (The British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists [TBPS & TRCP], 2009).

The first case of ADHD was initially noted by Scottish physician Sir Alexander Crichton in 1798. At a time when “focus on mental issues from a physiological and medical perspective” were very uncommon, Crichton expressed a remarkable fascination for the nature and origin of mental derangement and dedicated three books to his observation from clinical cases. He observed an inability within his patients to keep focus while performing tasks as well as an inability to be attentive during everyday activities. He expressed his belief that the disease of the mind was inherited from birth and that its onset was noted at an early age. Crichton began to study the interaction of children in a school environment noting that some had trouble focusing on the educational aspect, such as writing and reading as their minds tended to drift. He also deduced that the symptoms that impaired the mind from its normal function dissipated once puberty was reached. Although this theory was upheld until the 1990’s it is now understood that the symptoms of ADHD can be retained after puberty and may remain into adulthood, recent studies even indicating that approximately 50% of children will grow up to keep their symptoms (Lange, Lange, Reichl, Tucha & Tucha, 2010).

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder and hyperkinetic disorder are all diseases of the mind. Each are diagnosed by symptoms that fall into two groups; the first being inattentiveness and the second hyperactive – impulsive. Attention deficit disorder is diagnosed by symptoms from the first category, whereas attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and hyperkinetic disorder embody both (testing methods vary by region, ADHD which is the favoured term in the United States of America has more moderate testing, whereas the United Kingdom uses more scrupulous measures of testing before diagnosing children with hyperkinetic disorder) (TBPS & TRCP, 2009).

Symptoms

The two groups combined display nine characteristic symptoms “(1) hyperactivity, (2) emotional instability […], (3) clumsiness, (4) disorders of attention […], (5) impulsiveness […], (6) disorders of memory and thinking, (7) specific learning disabilities, (8) disorders of speech and hearing, and (9) various neurological signs and brainwave patterns irregularities” (Murry & Pizzorno, 2012, page 340). These symptoms or characteristics can be seen in many children, as the symptoms used for diagnosis – primarily the impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattentiveness – are non-specific problems, therefore it is at the utmost importance to not misdiagnose children.

Contributing Factors

As was stated previously, ADHD is a disease of the mind. A major contributing factor to the symptoms onset is the deteriorating function of particular “circuits in the executive centres of the brain responsible for impulse control and the ability to maintain sustained attention” (Murray & Pizzorna, 2012, page 340-341). The brain of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder display variation from normal brains in both structure and function, predominantly in regards to the “executive centres” (ibid, page 341). What causes such changes? There is not one principal cause; however genetic, environmental and nutritional factors all contribute to the degeneration of the brain (ibid).

Genetics

ADHD is believed to have been heavily weighed on genetics; studies have shown that children with ADHD are four times more likely to have a relative with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Current research is focusing on dopamine levels in the brain (Martin, 2007). Dopamine, derived from the amino acid tyrosine, is a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain. It is responsible for motor systems which are responsible for involuntary reflexes and modifiable movement (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). “Dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain are the main source of dopamine in the mammalian central nervous system” (Anderson & Chinta, 2005, page 942), a decrease in their number or an impairment in creating dopamine is what is at present theorized to account for ADHD in certain individuals. Furthermore, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have also been noted to have “thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention” (Martin, 2007, page 1). Over time the brain of the individual, in most cases, will develop and the brain tissue will encompass its proper thickness resulting in most ADHD symptoms to drop (ibid).

Environment

A primary environmental factor is maternal smoking. Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus, as it incubated the unborn child in a “confined smoke filled womb” (Eisenberg, Hathaway & Murkoff, 2002, page 58). This toxic environment inhibits the delivery of oxygen to the womb resulting in the inability of growth and development (ibid). Exposure to lead during utero as well as after birth has been shown to contribute to symptoms of ADHD in children. Offset from old paint and or toys will aid in this, as well as the transfer of lead through breast milk during breastfeeding if levels are prevalent enough within the mother (Martin, 2007).

Pesticides and other environmental toxins, although not proven directly to cause ADHD, have an effect on the nervous system, therefore most definitely aiding to the onset of hyperactive symptoms. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and organic phosphates, still present in the chemical industry as well as in food and contaminated water “directly affect the nervous system” (Carson, 2002, page 192). DDT, which is still latent in the soil that grows both conventional and organic crops possess a primary effect on the “central nervous system [denaturing] the cerebellum and the higher motor cortex [ bringing about sensations of] prickling, burning or itching” (ibid). Children will react and understand pain differently than adults and may act out in ways that may reflect hyperactive behaviours, whether it is through isolation or incessant anger. When the brain is ill or affected by toxicity the rest of the body does not function optimally. Through elimination of toxins through gentle detoxing of the body’s systems, symptoms of ADHD in children may diminish (ibid) (Colson & Halford, 2010).

Nutrition

Food additives, sugar and lack of essential fatty acids have shown to play upon the symptoms of ADHD and specifically affect the function, growth and development of the brain of young children. Poor nutrition and damaged digestion, food allergies and food intolerances as well as yeast overgrowth and parasite infections all play a critical role in the onset of ADHD symptoms in children (Bateson – Koch, 1994, page 202 – 203).

Diet

Salt, sugar, caffeine, food additives and chemical preservatives – these food items have many things in common, the most pressing is their impact on cognitive function and behaviour, primarily amongst young children. Give a child a sweet and a few minutes later they are going to display hyperactive behaviour. Sometimes it does not even take an artificially sweetened hard candy to get them running in circles, bananas will do the trick. Hyperactive behavior can go hand in hand with aggression as a result of fluctuating blood sugar levels. ADHD is a disease of the mind and when it is a result of genes can have its symptoms treated through eliminations of negative influences in both diet and environment. However, when a child is placed on a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars and processed goods not only will they be acting out as a result of unstable blood sugar levels but they will also be experiencing decreased cognitive function and a decline in growth both physical and mental (Colson & Holford, 2010, page 184-189).

Allergies

Allergens also come into play when look at the behaviour of a child. The consumption of food that are either allergens or intolerant to the system of the child may either over a short period of time lead to negative alterations in behaviour, poor attention, even hyperactivity. Over longer periods of time, the constant resurgence of the intolerable food on the system may lead to some damage to the nervous system. Dr. Joseph Bellanti of Georgetown University in Washington DC conducted a study in the early 2000’s which displayed an alarmingly high level of children with ADHD also having food allergies. These children, with the symptoms of ADHD, were seven times more probable of having food allergies and intolerances than children without hyperactivity symptoms. The study concluded that, “89 per cent of children with [ADHD] reacted to food colouring, 72 per cent to flavouring, 60 per cent to MSG, 45 per cent to all synthetic additives, 50 per cent to cow’s milk, 60 per cent to chocolate and 40 per cent to orange” (Holford & Lawson, 2009, page 218-219). Moreover, the irritability associated with the intake of foods that were either allergens or intolerable to the child’s system results in 25-50 per cent of learning disabilities amongst children with prior ADHD symptoms (Bateson-Koch, 1994).

Through the elimination of such foods, especially wheat, dairy and sugar which are the most prominent ingredients in food today (as with yeast, soy, peanuts and eggs), symptoms of ADHD in children will decline. Patrick Holford believes, through his own observations and his research that approximately 90 per cent of children will display a positive change in their behaviour (ibid).

Digestion

Issues with digestion go hand in hand with food intolerances. Food intolerances are often caused by leaky gut, a syndrome that is often assumed to only affect adults. However, children with refined, Standard American Diets or those who constantly eat foods that they are allergic to, may become susceptible to this syndrome. The gut does not literally have a hole in it (though that can occur), it simply becomes semi-permeable, thus allowing particles of food into the bloodstream, where they are flagged by antibodies as foreign invasive substances. As a result whenever a food is consumed that has been flagged by an antibody the body will have a negative reaction, for example inflammation, as a way to respond in displeasure to the invading substance and proceed to eliminate it. Dr. Bernard Jensen believed that “health disorders and diseases [began] with problems in the elimination system” (1999, page 59).

Moreover when the gut is ridden with parasites or Candida, even with leaky gut syndrome, the body will not be able to properly take up nutrients and thus will not be able to feed itself resulting in deficiencies and decreased function of all organ systems of the body. The bodies systems need macro and micro nutrients to properly function, without them the equilibrium of the body falls out of balance. If the brain is not receiving adequate nutrients it will not function optimally (Lipski, 2012).

Constipation, another sign of leaky gut, apart from causing bloating also is storage for numerous toxins and bacteria. The longer the waste stays in the gut the more toxic build up occurs, resulting in higher toxic build up throughout the entire body (thought leaching, for instance). Nerve cells are connected to all the walls of the intestinal tract, any toxic offset will affect them, thus affecting the brain. Furthermore, any inflammation in the intestine will proceed to negativity affect the brain. The body is all connected, when one organ system falls out of balance so the rest will follow. With such an imbalance especially in young children and young adolescent going into puberty, growth and development will be impaired. Mental function will not be to par, they may experience mood swings, display angry behaviour, have trouble focusing and other signs of ADHD. Although the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be present, a diagnosis would be an incorrect determination (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012) (Lipski, 2012).

Brain Damage

Although the numbers are minima, brain damage in children, as a result of toxic exposure or physical injury, prior or after birth, can lead to the individual displaying symptoms of ADHD. It is interesting to note that brain trauma are “three times more common in males than in females” (Regan, Russo & VanPutte, 2008, page 453), which is interestingly reflected in the proportion of individuals suffering from ADHD, three times more men than women. Although other factors come into play, traumatic brain injury, whether it is open or closed, coup or contrecoup, neutral function is impaired reflecting in symptoms of decreased attention, difficulty with memory and processing information, trouble with mechanical tasks, etc (ibid).

Brian damage can occur during a car accident, a fall, when a young child is repeatedly shaken, either causing the hemorrhaging of the brain. Such injuries are known to diffuse brain injuries for the injury is not localized and he damage is present in numerous small veins and nerves. When the brain is unable to function efficiently it is reflected in the character of the individuals affected and often times these symptoms are that of ADHD (ibid).

Emotional and physical trauma from abuse can result in the manifestation of ADHD symptoms in children. Isolation amongst peers, difficulty concentrating, inappropriate behaviour, which is normal silent expressions of dealing with traumas, may be misdiagnosed as symptoms of ADHD (Martin, 2007).

Nutritional Recommendations for ADHD

A majority of ADHD streams from insufficient nutrient intake and therefore can be easily treated by eliminating harmful and toxic foods and replacing them with nutrient dense fresh foods and supplements.

Micronutrients

A poor diet is harmful for anyone, it is however, especially harmful for children who need adequate nutrients to grow and develop effectively. A majority of ADHD today is a result of nutrient poor diet, more specifically a diet reflective of Standard American Diet, which is high in bad oxidized fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates (Haas, E.M., 2006). Research into ADHD has shown several nutrients that are heavily depleted in the system; magnesium, zinc and iron.

Magnesium

Most children diagnosed with ADHD have been shown to have low levels of magnesium in their system (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012). A channel for enzyme activity in the body, primarily enzymes associated with activity. When in appropriate amounts in the body, it permits efficient transmission of nerve and muscle impulses. Individuals with ADHD have lowered nerve impulses, which directly affects their cognitive function. Furthermore, low levels of magnesium affect pH levels within the body, which in essence affects the equilibrium of the entire body. Having an alkaline body is important for everyone, however, essential for children (Balch, 2010). The body will not function effectively if it is not at a proper pH level (more alkaline, around 8). Apart from the fact that an acidic body will demineralise organs and bones, it will affect the cognitive function of the brain. Acidosis, which is the term used to describe the acidification of the blood and body tissues, will impair nerve function by preventing nerve cells to instigate and carry out impulses from the nervous system. In older individuals symptoms may come up as forgetfulness or brain fog. However with young children the same issues will be seen as an inability to concentrate, poor learning skills, inability to retain information, all symptoms of ADHD, however ones that can simply be fixed with diet (Goldberg, 2010). When magnesium is incorporated into the diet, whether through avocadoes or brown rice (Blach, 2010), or through supplementation children with ADHD have shown improvements in their behavior and mental function (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012).

Zinc

As with magnesium, zinc levels in individuals diagnosed with ADHD have been shown to be quite low (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012). Zinc is essential for the body’s ability to regulate prostate gland function as well as aiding in the growth of reproductive organs. Zinc is a protecting micro mineral for the liver from chemical and toxin damage. It is when zinc levels in the body are low that characteristics of ADHD surface. Sexual maturity and growth are impaired with low zinc levels, as is memory and fatigue. Children with ADHD experience a slower rate of maturation, trouble concentrating and mood swings – from hyperactive to low energy (Blach, 2010). By eating a variety of sea animals and sea vegetable, as well as supplementing with zinc, symptoms of hyperactivity in children with ADHD will decrease (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012).

Iron

“20% of infants […] are thought to suffer milder iron deficiency without anemia, leaving them at risk for impairment of brain development” (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012, page 344). As with zinc, iron is a common deficiency among the majority of the population, it is low in food sources, do to conventional agricultural practices and a majority of the deficiency stems from misinformation (ibid). Iron is essential in the body for the transportation of oxygen to organs, tissues and the brain, without which cells could not function effectively. Symptoms of iron deficiency that correlate with those of ADHD are; digestive disturbances (leading to malnutrition from decreased absorption of nutrients), nervousness, slow mental response (Blach, 2010). It has been observed that the supplementation of iron in children with ADHD who do not harbour anemic symptoms, has resulted in the reduction of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in a thirty day period (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012, page 334).

Macronutrients

Macronutrients consist of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Although each is found in the Standard American Diet, the quality of the nutrines is not the same as those that come from a more wholesome, unrefined diet.

Essential Fatty Acids

Children suffering from ADHD have shown to have strikingly low levels of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) when compared to levels measured in children without symptoms of ADHD. Both these omega-3 fatty acids are essential in the formation and maintenance of brain cells, thus explaining ADHD symptoms of low brain function and difficulty concentrating. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids through supplementation of fish oil and through incorporation of flax and seafood into the diet of children will elevated cognitive function and slowly reverse ADHD symptoms associated with impaired brain function (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012).

Carbohydrates

Heavily refined, processed carbohydrates have very little nutritional value and are often laden with preservatives, chemicals and sugars. The mix of unnecessary ingredients negatively affects the development of children, primarily their cognitive function. It also results in the drastic fluctuation of blood sugar levels, resulting in hyperactive behaviour. Children have small bodies therefore being placed on the same diet as an adult, a diet high in processed foods and sugary goods will have drastic effects on their development and behaviour. Carbohydrates are needed to sustain life, however, they need to be derived from more plant based sources, primarily vegetables, as many fruits although healthy, are high in sugar (Murray & Pizzorno, 2012). Children with symptoms of ADHD need to refrain from eating bananas, honey, maple syrup, dried fruits, mangos, grapes and cherries – to name a few (Colson & Holford, 2010).

Salicylates

“Prunes, raisins, raspberries, almonds, apricots, canned cherries, blackcurrants, oranges, strawberries, grapes, tomato sauce, plums, cucumbers and Granny Smith apples” (Holford & Lawson, 2009, page 219) are all foods that contains salicylates. Salicylates are a chemical compound naturally occurring in plants (fruits and vegetables) and synthetically placed into aspirin and other pain reducing drugs. Individuals tend to have intolerances to this chemical based on the fact that it is recurrent in our natural and synthetic environment. The compound is placed into shampoos, perfumes and fragrances that can be recurrent in cleaning products, food colourings and food flavourings, toothpaste and other beauty products. The effect on a child’s system can occur during utero and increase drastically upon birth (Siedu, 2010). Salicylates do not cause ADHD in children, however they do displace nutrients in the body that contributes to ADHD symptoms. Salicylates prevent the “conversion and utilization of essential fatty acids, which [are] needed for proper brain function and are often low in hyperactive children” (Holford & Lawson, 2009, page 219). As a result, beauty products, synthetic drugs and cleaning supplies that contain Salicylates need to be eliminated from the life of the child who exemplifies characteristics of ADHD. Foods that contain salicylate, if unhealthy and unwholesome should be eliminated completely, ones that are naturally high in sugar should also be removed and the rest should be (ibid).

The Four R’s

Constipation or lack of bowel movement in children may cause auto-intoxication, which is a process in which the body absorbs its own toxic waste from the intestinal tract into the blood and organs. It can also occur at a cellular level, which is a result of cells not being able to dispose of their waste through osmosis, leading to them either dying off or becoming tumorous. Bowel health is essential for the health of the entire body. An overabundance of bad bacteria, for example, may lead to high levels of ammonia in the body which will result in “severe neurological symptoms such as mental disturbances […] and altered electroencephalogram patterns” (Jensen, 1999, page 31). Furthermore, auto-intoxication may cause a reflection of ADHD symptoms such as lack of ability to concentrate or focus, irritability, insomnia, fitful sleep and insane like behaviour. All these symptoms seen in a child can lead to their misdiagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, when all they needed done to them was the cleansing of their bowels (ibid, page 36-37).

In order to keep the bowels and the rest of the body clean it is important to partake in the cleansing and repairing of the intestinal tract. The first step in the cleaning of the tract , which is especially essential for children diagnosed with ADHD due to the fact that many of their symptoms are often attributed to diet, allergies and toxicity of the body, is removal of all harmful food and substances. The removal of processed, refined and high sugar foods is essential. The removal of products that contain salicylate is important, for it negatively affect the nervous system. Removal of all known allergens from the diet as well as sugar, wheat and dairy is essential. The removal of any intolerances and foods that contain salicylate can happen at the end, due to the fact that a drastic change in the diet will be hard for a child to deal with, slow moderate changes are best and more effective. Furthermore, with sow changes to a child’s diet, followed with precise monitoring of the changes of symptoms, it is possible that only a few foods were causing the problems and once they have been eliminated from the diet, the rest will not have to be (Lipski, 2012) (Colson & Holford, 2010).

Replacing previously eaten foods with healthy alternatives is the next step. Slowly start incorporating these foods, especially if the child is not accustomed to eating them, making meals colourful makes them more appealing to the little critics. Incorporating gummy or chewable all natural, naturally sweetened multi-vitamins as well as omega-3 fatty acid. Reinoculation is the this step. At this point it is essential to re-introduce good bacteria into the digestive system, either through fermented foods or through supplementing with probiotics. The first step is repairing and rebalancing the body, which i accomplished by means of supplementation minerals, vitamins and herbs, as well as changing the external environment to reduce negative stress to the child so that it does not impair the system (Lipski, 2012) (Colson & Holford, 2010).

Marner, K. (2013). These fish oil and omega-3 products have been taste-tested and approved by ADDitude’s panel of ADHD children. Available online from: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8738.html.

The British Psychological Society and The Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2009). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. (publication no.229642).